Laminate Optimization Based on Max Laminate Strain

[dana.frye]

I am looking to optimize a laminate within a non-fea project, based on a single criteria. I wish the peak strain in the global laminate X direction to be less than a specified value. How can I go about doing this? I tried to add a value to the strain X field of the properties tab within the sizing form, but it does not appear to impact the sizing in any way. I cannot seem to get the "strain limit" failure analyses on the failure tab to impact the sizing either. Any advice?

[James]

What about using the laminate strain allowables?

[dana.frye]

Can you elaborate on how to go about doing that? Do you mean modifying the material laminate allowables in the material (Strain: Compression Open Hole for example) to the target strain, then toggling on composite strength, laminate, compression, open hole failure analyses for example?

[James]

Exactly. Use the laminate strain analysis method to implement a strain cut-off.
There's an example within the HME document.

http://www.hypersizer.com/download.php?type=analysis&file=AID221-231_Material_Strength,_Composite,_Laminate-Based.HME.pdf

-James